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setting the correct day of the festival) fall during times of the year
when rain is rare and evening visibility is good.
Table 1 summarizes the similarities between these communication
systems.
Table 1 Comparison between Torch and Digital Wireless
Communication Methods
Torch Method Communication Digital Wireless Network
Communication
Several teams with torches on
high mountain-tops.
Message transmitted through air
to recipient via light emanating
from a torch.
Team 1 moves torch up and
down to signal team 2 on next
hill.
Team 2 sees torch light from
Team 1.
Team 2 lights their torch and
moves it up and down in a
distinct manner to acknowledge
Team 1’s signal.
Team 2 moves its torch up and
down to signal Team 3.
Several computers are ‘listeners’
on a network.
Message transmitted through air
to recipient in data packets.
Computer 1 performs
handshaking with Computer 2
that is listening for packet arrival.
Computer 2 accepts packet
from Computer 1.
Computer 2 sends an
acknowledgment packet back
to Computer 1 to say that it
successfully received its data.
Computer 2 forwards the data
packet to Computer 3.
Improving Security of Transmission through
Messengers
In comparison to torches, the method of dispatching agents to
broadcast the date of the new month can be viewed as a much more
robust, secure form of communication. By utilizing messengers,
the Beit Din had the discretion to appoint people known to be
trustworthy in order to prevent Kutim or others from giving the
wrong information. The obvious price for this more secure method
of transmission was speed. The speed was limited to the distance a
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